James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

TM5510 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health

Subject Description

This subject develops student knowledge of the historical, social and cultural context of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' health, identity, and social and emotional wellbeing. Students will further develop their capacity and capability to effectively work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, organisations, and communities to plan, implement, and evaluate health care programs that reflect their knowledges, strengths, aspirations and needs. Students will critically engage with Australian Indigenous health policy and the design of models of health service provision, engaging in strengths-based approaches to explore opportunities for collaborative ways to improve health. Students will analyse the impact of the social determinants of health on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' lives, and the role that cultural determinants of health play in shaping health status and wellbeing. Concepts of culturally safe community engagement and co-design will be explored to inform effective and meaningful collaboration, consultation and communication with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, their families and their communities.

Learning Outcomes

• examine Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander worldviews, knowledge systems, philosophies and contribution in shaping Australian society
• analyse health data for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australian communities, including how this data is gathered and used to inform policy, models of care and professional practice
• develop effective, culturally safe strategies for community engagement and co-design for working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations
• analyse the impact of the social determinants of health and wellbeing on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples lives and the role that cultural determinants play in health and wellbeing

Subject Assessment

• Oral > Presentation 1 - (40%) - Individual
• Written > Action plan - (60%) - Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Special Assessment Requirements

Achieve an overall percentage of 50% or above across all combined graded assessment within the subject

Availabilities